Six Roblox Games Kids Will Love to Play With You

A New Perspective on Gaming

This week, I've been thinking about camping out at my nearest Best Buy to get my hands on a Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, my kids aren't exactly encouraging me in this endeavor, as their main gaming interest lies with Roblox (my son even went as far as calling Mario Kart "boring").

If you haven't heard of Roblox, it's likely because you don't have kids. The first time my daughter asked if she could try it out during the early days of the pandemic, I thought she was referring to "Road Blocks." It isn't a traditional gaming system or even a single game—it's an online platform and social hub that lets players access thousands of independently developed, free-to-play games. These games are often described as ugly and asinine, but they're wildly popular among kids.

Understanding Roblox

Roblox has over 85 million daily users, with 40% being under 13 years old. My initial impression of the platform was that the games looked terrible, built on a blocky engine that doesn't prioritize visual complexity. The gameplay often felt laggy and cumbersome, especially on laptops and mobile devices. Many games revolve around a concept known as the "skinner box," where the goal is to level up and unlock better items through extended play. For example, in games like Sword Simulator, all you do is walk around and slash enemies that can't hit back, earning experience as you move. You can even set them to "AFK Mode" so they play themselves.

Progressing in these games usually involves spending real money on Robux, the in-game currency. This aspect made me initially perplexed and annoyed by my kids' obsession with Roblox, especially when they refused to play real video games with me. However, I decided to explore why so many kids love it, not just because of concerns about scams and exploitation, but also to find common ground with my children.

Discovering the Fun in Roblox

After some trial and error, I found that some Roblox games are actually enjoyable. They don't fit my idea of what a video game should be, but they aren't universally bad. Here are six Roblox games our family has enjoyed:

Grow a Garden

This game has gained significant popularity, even catching the attention of The New York Times. It's similar to Farmville, where you buy and plant seeds, sell crops for cash, and eventually build up your garden. The gameplay is addictive, with elements like crafting, pet-raising, and events that keep things interesting. You can enjoy it without spending any money, though my son still asks for more Robux.

Toilet Tower Defense

My son and I love this game, which revolves around building an army of robots to defend against toilet monsters. It's a twist on the tower defense genre, mixing active battles with quests and trading. While you can spend real money on in-game currency, you can also play it without spending anything at all.

Dress to Impress

This game is a simple dress-up experience where you select outfits based on themes. It's fun for the whole family, though there are some limitations, such as limited wardrobe options and the need to pay for VIP status for more variety.

Mega Hide and Seek

If your house is too small for a real game of hide and seek, this game takes it online. Players navigate familiar environments, either hiding or seeking. Different game modes add variety, and you can play without buying Robux.

Murder Mystery 2

This game is similar to Among Us, with players taking on roles like Innocent, Murderer, or Sheriff. It's fast-paced and fun, with no graphic violence involved.

Epic Minigames

This game offers quick, simple challenges that are perfect for families with varying ages. The challenges are mindless but fun, and you don't need to buy Robux to play.

Final Thoughts

While Roblox may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's clear that it holds a special place in the hearts of many kids. By exploring these games together, I've found a way to connect with my children and understand their interests better.